The Altoona-Johnstown Catholic diocese says it is "deeply saddened" to learn that a local priest has been charged with having sex with a prison inmate while serving as a chaplain.Rev. Gerard Connolly is charged with sexual assault. He is accused of bringing alcohol into the prison and paying the alleged victim nearly $7,000 in hush money.
The inmate and alleged victim, William Victor of Huntingdon, is charged with extortion.
A representative for Mt. Carmel Parish in Altoona said Connolly has not been active in the ministry since the allegations surfaced earlier this month.
Though Connolly lived with other Franciscan priests at their home in Altoona and helped out at the parish, he was technically not on the parish staff.
Instead, his job was to serve at the state prison in Cresson where the alleged crime took place.
The spokesperson said the bishop and the diocese are "deeply saddened to hear of the charges against Franciscan Father Gerard Connolly.
Though a religious order priest, he had been assigned by his provincial to serve within the diocese in various capacities including prison ministry.
"We pray for those affected in this matter: the alleged victim, Father Connolly and the friars of the Immaculate Conception Province of the third order regular of St. Francis."
Connolly remains free on $50,000 unsecured bond. He and Victor are scheduled to appear in court next Friday in Cresson.
Connolly's attorney had no comment on Wednesday.
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